Wonder Boy

[Genesis Knight]

What Wonderboy titles were released in the US, and how rare/expensive are they. I don't have any of them, and it's slightly confusing with all the Monster Lair/World, etc. Help?

[Genesis Knight]

The one I was looking at getting is Wonder Boy in Monster World. I think it was the second of the Genesis games... 1991, right? Is that the same one as in the article?

I know there's a IV, the one with the girl in it. Japanes only, correct?

And then there's the first one, which looks 8-bit and can be had for cheap. Right?

I'm looking at the one I first mentioned: Wonder Boy in Monster World. What are people's thoughts on that? I'm wondering about:

- length
- replayability
- secrets
- 'fun factor'

Discuss, and I'll sit back and listen! =D

[GeckoYamori]

Monster World is pretty comparable to Zelda in terms of replayability and fun factor. It's one hell of a ride the first time playing through it, but once you're done you aren't going to experience much new stuff the next time.

[VinnyT]

http://www.sega-16.com/Feature-%20Wonder%20Boy.htm

[Genesis Knight]

I read the article, and yes, that helped out considerably.

[Genesis Knight]

It has such horrible box art...

Only one Wonderboy game in the US? Hmm...

[Genesis Knight]

I'm looking at it more, and it seems very short. How many hours are we talking here?

[VinnyT]

From what I read from Melfs story, about 10-12 hours.

I've been looking for this for awhile too.

[Genesis Knight]

I shoulda been able to deduce that. >.<

[landstalkerx]

I played it through yesterday and I think it took me about 10 hours. I wasn't really paying attention to the time though.

[videolamer]

Dragon's Trap is the best in the series by far. I know this is an old thread, but if you still haven't played it, GK, you should look into it.

[Genesis Knight]

It grates on my eyes, but it only costs a few acorns and a dustbunny, so I suppose there's nothing to lose.

[Melf]

Didn't you review Wonder Boy in Monster World?

U.S. Releases:

- Wonder Boy, Master System
- Wonder Boy in Monster Land, Master System
- Wonder Boy: The Dragon's Trap, Master System
- Monster Lair, TG-16 CD
- Dragon's Curse, TG-16
- Dynastic Hero (TG-16 CD version of WBMW)
- Wonder Boy in Monster World, Genesis

Japan-Only:

- Monster Lair, Mega Drive
- Monster World IV, Mega Drive (English ROM is available)

I love them all, but my favorites have to be the two Genesis games. Of the MS titles, you can find better versions on MAME, and Dragon's Curse is the best version of the second Monster World game.

The original is the longest (long as hell, actually), but none of the MW games shouldn't take you more than 10-15 hours to beat.

Of course, don't forget Monster Lair on the TG-16 CD, which I actually prefer to the MD version due to its better graphics and stellar soundtrack.

[David J.]

Hey, only Monster Lair, the orignal one, and Monster Land are the only ones releaed in the arcade, and in mame.

I hated the characters graphic change they made in the MD version of Monster Lair over the arcade one. Why?

[Joe Redifer]

'cuz.

[j_factor]

You forgot Dynastic Hero (Turbo CD release of Wonderboy in Monster World).

[Melf]

Yep, you're right. I'll edit that in.

[videolamer]

It grates on my eyes, but it only costs a few acorns and a dustbunny, so I suppose there's nothing to lose.

Come now, the game has excellent graphics. It looks better than a lot of 16 bit games. And it's not like my opinion needs to be supported since it's only an opinion, but the Master System emulator Meka is based on Dragon's Trap. I WIN!!1111

[Joe Redifer]

The problem with Wonderboy III: The Dragon's Trap is that it only scrolls at 30 frames per second and is quite choppy as a result. It can get on your nerves after awhile. The colors seem a bit bolder (especially the characters themselves) than the TG16 version, though. And for some reason the TG16's music in the first area (with the water and the flying clouds near the end) is sped up.

[Alianger]

I don't see how that is "the" problem with the game. I thought WBIMW played a lot slower than Dragon's Trap, at least for the first couple of hours or so. The things that did bother me was the charisma stone system and the simplistic level design of the dungeons (which got better in the sequel but then even worse in MW4).
Anyway, great series overall and I hope they make another one someday.

Wonder Boy fans should definitely check out the overlooked GBA game Lady Sia.

[Joe Redifer]

That's "the" problem. In other words, I don't feel WB3 on the SMS has any other significant flaws.